Grace Tabernacle celebrates annual Community Guest Day

NORRISTOWN — The Grace Tabernacle Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Norristown celebrated their annual Community Guest Day on Saturday. This day is held to honor community service as well as individual members of the community and their contributions.

“It means reaching out to the community; to showing love for those who protect and serve,” said Valerie Cooper as she greeted the guests entering the church.

The honorees this year were Chief of Police Russell J. Bono, Fire Chief Thomas O’Donnell and Police Captain Willie G. Richet. All three had a busy last week with the hurricane damage and debris.

Prayers and hymns could be heard throughout the church focusing on the subject of community spirit. Attendees focused on how the community came together to withstand Hurricane Sandy last week, and how the emergency personnell were so critical in keeping everyone safe.

“We are aware of how much these men give our community day and nigh,” said Martine Malcolm before she brought Thomas O’Donnell to the podium to accept his gift.

O’Donnell was the first honoree of the day, followed by Richet and Bono. All three were praised for their hard work in and around the Norristown Area.